UPDATE: Search for missing boaters in Bessemer

Authorities in Jefferson County are searching for three people after they were reported missing late Wednesday.

The sheriff's office confirms three adults were boating near Jones Road Southwest when they were reported missing. Family members lost contact by cell phone around 7:30 p.m. and were unable to get back in touch with them. A ground and water search was called off just before midnight. A helicopter continued the search well into the early morning hours, but still no signs of the three boaters. The ground and water search is expected to resume early Thursday morning.